The Portuguese coastal trail you’ll be surprised you’ve never heard of

Written by Lizzy Atwood Wills, Founder

Originally Published June 7, 2023

The Rota Vicentina is a winding 750km (466 miles) path — a hiking trail, for day hikers and backpackers alike — starting just South of Lisbon, and ending in the Algarve (Portugal’s southern-most tip). The Rota Vicentina’s more commonly known neighbor, El Camino de Santiago, known as a pilgrimage running through several European countries (primarily Spain) also actually goes all the way over to Portugal.

While the Camino has a historic, and distinctly spiritual feel to it, the Rota Vicentina, located in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is a lesser-know (and far less traveled) trail, established about 10 years ago by a group of locals looking to bring more tourism to the area commonly passed over by tourists seeking more well-known sights in Lisbon and the Algarve.

The Rota Vicentina being a thru-hike, however, allows passers-through to stop along the way, or even stay awhile, to get a sense of the local towns, beaches, countrysides, and locally-owned hotels, bringing what we like to call “slow travel” to the area. Slow travel is a kind of sustainable travel that not only is literally slower (because it’s usually only visited by locals, hikers or bikers), but it also builds long-term economic gains for locals, without depleting the area’s resources so quickly that what once was appreciated can no longer even be found.

In our eyes, slow travel is a win-win, as it also tends to be a more enjoyable form of travel, allowing the opportunity to slow down, deepen your connection with place, and take in the surroundings. Go ahead and find the handful of restaurants in town and try them all, running into the same locals walking through town or serving you at the cafe in the morning and at the restaurant that same evening.

This is where time begins to feel unimportant, and you’ve completely forgotten about whether you have service or not because gazing at the sea, seeking the next crane’s nest, who caught or cooked your fresh fish lunch, trying the local cheese, or learning a new Portuguese phrase become the priority.

The Rota Vicentina is our favorite way to see Portugal. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to learn, through our day-hikes with our local guide, all about the region— it’s fruits and oils, wines and cheeses, local seafood, artisans and culture, and the celebrated histories, hard times, and resilient spirit of the people who live here. As you wander along two carefully selected portions of the trail, you’ll experience some of the most astounding biodiversity in the area, take in amazing views, and adventure over gorgeous cliffsides and terrain. At night, you’ll lay your head on a pillow in a quaint local hotel owned by various characters of the Alentejo, who genuinely love their home, their work, and who are excited to share their hearts and stories with you.

Our whole MBT trip in Portugal is centered around the Rota: we’ve curated two special sections of trail, allowing you to enjoy a variety of scenery and experiences, as you move from one section to the next, with local boutique hotels along the way to rest; all this while slowly making our way South from Lisbon, to the Algarve. Enjoy the tranquilo way of life on the most amazing journey through Portugal!

Want to know more? Watch the video below to learn about the spirit of the Rota in the words of those who founded it.

Sounds phenomenal, right? Join us in Portugal for your next truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

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